A PERIVALE councillor who failed to attend meetings for four months is to repay the allowance he received whilst absent from his duties.

The Mayor of Ealing announced that discussions were taking place with Labour councillor Edward Rennie which would see him returning the sum paid to him during the months he was allegedly in India.

Councillor Edward Rennie told the Gazette: "I am happy to confirm that my absence was for four months and it is my full intention that the allowance I received will be paid back."

It follows an exchange between a Perivale resident and a Labour portfolio holder at the budget setting council meeting on February 26.

Billy Higgins of Cotswold Court, who prompted the discussion, said: "This councillor has been drawing wages and I said I wanted confirmation that he will pay them back. He has been away on holiday, we are here living like peasants and I have no one to complain to."

Mr Rennie did not attend any council meetings between the end of September 2012 and February 2013 but was still being paid automatically through the council’s payroll system, a sum of which is thought to have amounted to around £3,200.

The rumour circulating amongst the ward was that he had gone to Bangalore in India to train as a priest.

Perivale Ward Councillor, Justin Anderson, said: "I am delighted that a Perivale resident took the time to come to council and question the portfolio holder; this is democracy at its best and I urge residents to exercise their democratic right to do so. This is a real victory for residents and I am looking forward to continuing to work with them. The money will apparently be given to the Perivale ward forum to spend on people’s priorities."

Mr Anderson said he would like to see the money go towards a safety camera to stop burglary and anti social behaviour around Rydal Crescent.

He expects to see the money being spent in the next year so that it does not disappear.